Ventilated pillow

ABSTRACT

This present disclosure may relate to a pillow configured to receive a person in a face down position, the pillow including a receiving portion and one or more pathways. The receiving portion and pathways may be configured to deliver air to a user and to receive exhaled air from a user. The pillow may also include a chamber which may connect the receiving portion and pathways and one or more valves which may facilitate air exchange between the chamber and the pathways.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 62/373,300, entitled PRONE SLEEP APNEAPILLOW, which was filed on Aug. 10, 2016, and is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND Field

The present disclosure generally relates to pillows and, in particular,to pillows that may accommodate face down resting and sleeping.

Background

Obstructive sleep apnea (“OSA”) is a major health concern, causingdaytime fatigue and is associated with hypertension, metabolic syndrome,pulmonary hypertension, right-sided heart failure, myocardialinfraction, dysrhythmias, sudden cardiac death, and dementia (which maybe caused by numerous microvascular ischemic strokes). Risk factorsinclude heredity, obesity and advancing age.

Various treatments are used to address OSA including dental appliancesto thrust the jaw forward, thereby increasing the space between thetongue and the oropharynx, and reclining sleep chairs to reduce theeffect of gravity to pull the tongue backwards. These treatments areassociated with variable and limited efficacy. A standardly acceptedtreatment for OSA is continuous positive airway pressure (“CPAP”), whichinvolves using a pressurized mask while sleeping. This essentiallyinflates the oropharyngeal space, acting as a strut to keep the passagesopen. In some cases, it may also improve alveolar ventilation. Somepersons will instead use bilevel positive airway pressure (“BiPAP”) ifthey do not adequately tolerate CPAP, or if CPAP fails to achieve thedesired results.

CPAP and BiPAP masks often introduce problems including the need for atight fit to the face (which can be uncomfortable, claustrophobic, sealpoorly with facial hair, cause facial imprints over time, etc.),cumbersome (large, bulky, dependence on a power source, poor travelcompanion, etc.), noisy (may interfere with sleep of the user and othersnearby), the need for calibration, and the possibility that the “strut”pressure exceeds the ideal physiologic pressure, resulting in hyperinflated lungs throughout the night and possible barotrauma, tinnitus ofthe ear, headaches, sinusitis, bronchitis, and abdominal distention andbloating.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

A need therefore exists for a pillow that eliminates or reduces some orall of the above-described disadvantages or problems.

One aspect is a pillow that may be used in a prone position by a user.Advantageously, sleeping in a face down or prone position may be used toaddress OSA. For example, prone sleeping may discourage a user's tonguefrom falling back into the oropharyngeal space. The pillow may also besized, shaped, configured, and/or arranged to facilitate properplacement of the head, neck, tongue, etc. of the user. Additionally, thepillow may be sized, shaped, configured, and/or arranged to limit orprevent discomfort of the user. Thus, the pillow may facilitate sleepingin a prone position and the pillow may provide a comfortable and restfulposition for the user.

Another aspect is a pillow that may be ventilated. For instance, thepillow may include one or more ventilation channels, pathways, conduits,etc., which may encourage or provide proper airflow. Additionally, thepillow may facilitate proper airflow to and from the user at desiredpressures. In one exemplary embodiment, the pillow may allow airflow ata desired inhalation pressure. In another exemplary embodiment, thepillow may allow airflow at a desired exhalation pressure. In stillanother exemplary embodiment, the pillow may provide airflow at adesired inhalation pressure and airflow at a desired exhalationpressure. The pillow may include any suitable number, size, shape,configuration, and arrangement of channels, pathways, conduits, and thelike, which may help control airflow. For example, the pillow mayinclude a first pathway that provides inhalation air to the user and asecond pathway that allows exhaled air to exit. The pillow may alsoinclude a third passageway and the third pathway may provide gas at adesired pressure, specific types of gasses (such as oxygen), gas withdesired qualities or characteristics such as humidity or temperature,etc. For instance, the third passageway may provide oxygen to a user ofthe pillow at a desired pressure and flow rate.

Still another aspect is a pillow that may be passively ventilated. Forexample, the pillow may provide or allow airflow to a user withoutrequiring any active assistance. Thus, for instance, the pillow mayallow airflow to the user without requiring a power source or powereddevices. The pillow may also provide airflow at one or more desiredpressures, without requiring a power source or powered devices.Therefore, the pillow may be passively ventilated and the pillow may beused in the face down position. It will be appreciated that the pillowmay use one or more active or powered devices, such as sensors that maymeasure airflow, pressure, breathing rate, and the like. The pillowcould be connected to various devices such as pressurized gas sources,communication systems, power supplies, etc.

Yet another aspect is a pillow that may include a receiving portion. Thereceiving portion may be sized and configured to receive a portion ofthe user. For example, the receiving portion may be sized and configuredto receive a portion of the face, head, and/or neck of a user. Thereceiving portion may also be sized and configured to receive a portionof the user in a face down position. The pillow and/or receiving portionmay also help support and maintain the user in desired positions, suchas a prone position.

Still yet another aspect is a pillow that may include a seal, and theseal may help control airflow. For example, the seal may be sized andshaped such that that a full and/or partial seal may be created betweena user and the pillow. For instance, a seal may be at least partiallydisposed or formed between the face, head, and/or neck of a user and thepillow. In an exemplary embodiment, the seal may be at least partiallydisposed or formed about the receiving portion. Thus, the seal may actas a barrier to prevent air from entering and/or escaping from thereceiving portion. The seal may also help control or facilitate fluidflow into or out of the receiving portion by at least partially creatinga seal between the user and the pillow. Advantageously, the seal may bedisposed about at least a portion of the receiving portion and the sealmay be a part of the receiving portion. For example, an outer surface oredge of the receiving portion may form at least a portion of the seal.

Another aspect is a pillow that may include a support portion, and thesupport portion may provide support and comfort to the user's face,head, and/or neck. For example, the support portion may be sized andshaped such that the support portion may provide a location where theuser's chin can rest. In an exemplary embodiment, the support portionmay help relieve pressure on the user's face, head, and/or neck. Inaddition, the support portion may provide added support to the user'sface, head, and/or neck.

A further aspect is a pillow that may include a chamber, such as acavity, hollow space, or void. The chamber may be formed by a portion ofthe pillow and the chamber may be disposed at least proximate the head,face, nose, and/or mouth of a user. The chamber, which may be referredto as an air chamber, may be sized and configured to provide air to theuser. The chamber may also be sized and configured to receive air fromthe user. For instance, the chamber may provide inhalation air to theuser and the chamber may receive exhalation air from the user. Thechamber may also be sized and configured to control airflow to or fromthe user depending, for example, upon the intended use of the pillow.

Another further aspect is a pillow that may include at least one valve,regulator, or controller. The values may be used to help controlairflow, pressure, or the like within the pillow. For example, thevalves may be used to create a pressure differential, such as a pressuredifferential between the chamber and a pathway. In addition, the valvesmay control airflow and pressure in such a way that improves oroptimizes the breathing of the user. Additionally, the valves may beconfigured to only allow airflow in one direction. For example, a valvemay be disposed between the chamber and the pathway, and the valve mayonly allow airflow from the chamber into the pathway. In anotherexample, a valve may be disposed between the chamber and the pathway,and the valve may only allow airflow from the pathway into the chamber.Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, one or more valves may controlpressure and/or airflow to the user, and one or more valves may controlpressure and/or airflow from the user. After reviewing this disclosure,one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other devices maybe used to control airflow and pressure.

Still another further aspect is a pillow that may include one or morepathways such as passages, conduits, tubes, pipes, and the like. Thepathways may be used to control airflow, such as providing inhalationair to the user and/or providing a pathway for exhalation air. Thepathways, for example, may be connected to the chamber, receivingportion, and/or valve. In an exemplary embodiment, a pathway may allowambient air to enter the pillow and flow into the chamber. One or morevalves may control airflow through the pathway. In another exemplaryembodiment, a pathway may be configured to allow gas to be removed fromor exit the chamber. The pillow, for example, may include differentpathways, such as an inhalation pathway that allows air to flow into thechamber and an exhalation pathway that allows air to exit the chamber.It will be appreciated that the same pathway could be used if desired.In addition, a pathway may diverge into one or more pathways. Forexample, the pathway may diverge into two or more pathways in such a waythat two or more pathways exit the pillow in one or more locations,which may reduce the likelihood of pathway obstruction caused by otherpillows, bedsheets, blankets, the user, or the like. The pathways mayalso be configured to provide airflow to the pillow or the user's face,head, and/or neck which may provide therapeutic cooling of the pillowand/or the user's face, head, and/or neck. The pathways may also act asa damper, which may decrease noise. For example, the pathways mayinclude curvilinear walls or inner surfaces, which may help dampensounds such as snoring by the user, the openings and closing of thevalves, or flow across the valves. Additionally, the length and/orgeometry of the pathway may dampen noise created by the valve and/orsnoring of the user. The pathways may include one or more supports andthe supports may help support the top pillow. In addition, the supportsmay help prevent objects from entering the pathways.

Still yet another aspect is a pillow that may include one or moredampers and the dampers may be disposed within a pathway. The dampersmay reduce noise, such as noise traveling within the pathway. Forexample, the dampers may decrease noise created by the valve and/orsnoring of the user.

A further aspect is a pillow that may include a tray to catch saliva,mucus, and other matter discharged from the mouth and/or nose of theuser during use of the pillow. The tray may be sized and configured torest or be disposed within the chamber of the pillow. The tray may beconfigured to be easily removed from the pillow for cleaning orreplacement. The tray may also be configured to enclose saliva, mucus,and other matter in a manner such that when the pillow is rotated and/ortilted, the saliva, mucus, and other matter stays within the tray.

Another aspect is a pillow that may include a base and the base mayprovide structure and/or support for the pillow. For example, the basemay be constructed of material that is denser and/or stiffer than thematerial used for the other portions of the pillow. The base may be usedto accommodate one or more components within the pillow. For instance,the base may accommodate a portion of the chamber, pathway, valve,damper, and/or tray. The base may include one or more voids or openingsthat are sized and configured to accommodate one or more componentswithin the pillow. In addition, the base may form part of the pillow ormay be a separate component that may be coupled with the pillow. Forexample, the base may be detached from the pillow in order to clean,replace, and/or adjust various components within the base.

Another aspect is a pillow that may be sized and configured to support auser in a face down or prone position. The pillow may include areceiving portion sized and configured to receive a face of a user; anair chamber in fluid communication with the receiving portion; aninhalation pathway in fluid communication with the air chamber, theinhalation pathway allowing air to be inhaled by the user to enter theair chamber; and an exhalation pathway in fluid communication with theair chamber, the exhalation pathway allowing air exhaled by the user toexit the air chamber. The pillow may also include an inhalation valvethat controls air flow in the inhalation pathway and the inhalationvalve may allow inhalation air to flow into the air chamber. Inaddition, the pillow may include an exhalation valve that controls airflow in the exhalation pathway and the exhalation valve may allow airexhaled by the user to exit the air chamber. The inhalation valve andthe exhalation valve may provide a positive end exhalation pressure toan exhalation flow. The pillow may further include a top pillow and abase that may be selectively connected. The air chamber, the inhalationpathway, and the exhalation pathway may be at least partially disposedin the base. If desired, the pillow may include one or more dampenersdisposed in the inhalation pathway, one or more dampeners disposed inthe exhalation pathway, and/or a pressurized gas pathway in fluidcommunication with the air chamber. The pressurized gas pathway mayallow pressured gas to enter the air chamber during use of the pillow.

When the pillow is in use, the inhalation valve may open duringinhalation of the user to allow air to flow into the air chamber andinhalation valve may be closed during exhalation of the user.Additionally, when the pillow is in use, the exhalation valve may beclosed during inhalation of the user and may open during exhalation ofthe user to allow air to exit the air chamber. Further, a pressure inthe air chamber may be lower during inhalation of the user and apressure in the air chamber is higher during exhalation of the user.

Still another aspect is a pillow that may be sized and configured tosupport a user in a face down or prone position. The pillow may includea top pillow with an upper surface, a lower surface, and an exterior.The top pillow may also include a receiving portion that may be disposedin an upper surface of the top pillow and sized and configured toreceive a face of a user. The pillow may include a base that may beconnected to the top pillow. The base may include a chamber in fluidcommunication with the receiving portion; one or more first openings ina first exterior portion of the base; a first pathway connecting thefirst openings and the chamber; one or more second openings in a secondexterior portion of the base; a second pathway connecting the secondopenings and the chamber; a first valve controlling airflow in the firstpathway; and a second valve controlling airflow in the second pathway.

Yet another further aspect is a pillow that may include a recessedportion disposed in the upper surface of the top pillow, the recessedportion sized and configured to receive a neck of the user; and asupport portion extending inwardly into the receiving portion, thesupport portion sized and configured to support a chin of the user. Ifdesired, an inner portion of the receiving portion may be at leastpartially aligned with and disposed parallel to an inner surface of thechamber. The first pathway may allow inhalation air to flow to the user;the first valve may be at least partially disposed in the first pathwayand disposed proximate the chamber; the second pathway may allowexhalation air to be vented from the chamber; and the second valve maybe at least partially disposed in the second pathway and disposedproximate the chamber. The pillow may also include a first sensormonitoring airflow through the first valve; a second sensor monitoringairflow through the second valve; and a communication system connectedto the first sensor and the second sensor. In addition, the pillow mayinclude one or more sensors connected to the pillow and the sensors maybe configured to detect attributes about the user during use of thepillow. Additionally, the pillow may include a third pathway that issized and configured to provide pressurized gas to the user during useof the pillow. The third pathway may be at least partially disposed inthe first pathway, may include a first end disposed at least proximatethe first valve, and may include a second end disposed at leastproximate an exterior of the base. The pillow may further include one ormore dampeners disposed in the first pathway and one or more dampenersdisposed in the second pathway. The pillow could, for example, includean alarm and the alarm may be sized and configured to issue an alertand/or a third pathway that may be sized and configured to provide gasto the user during use of the pillow.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become more fully apparent from the following detaileddescription of preferred embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The appended drawings contain figures of exemplary embodiments tofurther illustrate and clarify the above and other aspects, advantagesand features of the invention. It will be appreciated that thesedrawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the invention and are notintended to limits its scope. Additionally, it will be appreciated thatwhile the drawings may illustrate preferred sizes, scales, relationshipsand configurations of the invention, the drawings, which may be toscale, are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention. Theinvention will be described and explained with additional specificityand detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1a is an upper, front perspective view of an exemplary embodimentof a pillow;

FIG. 1b is an upper, rear perspective view of the pillow shown in FIG. 1a;

FIG. 2a is an upper, front perspective view of a portion of the pillow;

FIG. 2b is an upper, rear perspective view of the portion of the pillowshown in FIG. 2 a;

FIG. 2c is a lower, front perspective view of the portion of the pillowshown in FIG. 2 a;

FIG. 3a is an exploded view of the pillow;

FIG. 3b is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the pillow shownin FIG. 3 a;

FIG. 3c is another enlarged perspective view of a portion of the pillowshown in FIG. 3 a;

FIG. 3d is a lower perspective view of a portion of the pillow shown inFIG. 3 a;

FIG. 4a is an enlarged, exploded view of a portion of the pillow shownin FIG. 3a , illustrating an exemplary valve;

FIG. 4b is another exploded view of the exemplary valve shown in FIG. 4a;

FIG. 4c is an upper, front perspective view of the exemplary valve shownin FIG. 4 a;

FIG. 4d is an upper, rear perspective view of the exemplary valve shownin FIG. 4 a;

FIG. 4e is a cross-section side view of the exemplary valve shown inFIG. 4 d;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary tray; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary base for a pillow.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure is generally directed towards a pillow, such as apillow for sleeping in the prone position, and the pillow may beconfigured for accommodating a person suffering from sleep apnea.Further, the pillow may accommodate persons with certain types of neckstrain. The principles of the present disclosure, however, are notlimited to pillows, nor to pillows for persons suffering from sleepapnea. It will be understood that, in light of the present disclosure,the pillows disclosed herein may have a variety of shapes, sizes,configurations, and arrangements. It will also be understood thatpillows may include any suitable number and combination of features,components, aspects, and the like. In addition, while the pillows shownin the accompanying figures are illustrated as having particular stylesand configurations, it will be appreciated that the pillows may have anysuitable styles or configurations. Further, the pillows disclosed hereinmay be used by persons not suffering from sleep apnea or any othercondition. Alternatively, the pillows disclosed herein may be used bypersons suffering from another condition, which may or may not berelated to breathing or sleeping.

It will be further appreciated that the disclosed example embodiments ofthe pillows may be disposed in a variety of positions or orientations,and used in numerous locations, environments, and arrangements.

Example embodiments of the pillows are disclosed and described in detailbelow. It will be understood that different embodiments may have one ormore different parts, components, features and aspects; and thedifferent parts, components, features and aspects may not be required.Further, it will be understood that different embodiments may includevarious combinations of these parts, components, features and aspectsdepending, for example, upon the intended use of the pillows.

FIGS. 1a and 1b illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a ventilatedpillow 100. In general, the ventilated pillow 100 may facilitate thebreathing of a user laying in a face down position by providing a pillowwith a recessed cavity configured to receive the face of the user. Thepillow may also support other portions of the user such as the neck andhead. The pillow may provide airflow to the user via one or morepathways. For example, the pillow may include a chamber that is incommunication with the recessed cavity. The pillow may also include oneor more valves and one or more pathways that are sized and configured todeliver air to and remove air from the chamber.

Advantageously, the ventilated pillow 100 may allow a person to sleep orrest in a prone position with the person's face oriented downward. Theventilated pillow 100 may improve and/or ease breathing by allowing aperson to sleep with their face oriented downward, which may effectivelyclear the airway by keeping the person's tongue from falling back intothe oropharyngeal space while relaxing and/or sleeping. In someembodiments, the ventilated pillow 100 may allow a person to rest and/orsleep face down in the prone position rather than turning their head toone side in order to breathe, thus reducing and/or eliminating the head,neck, and/or back strain caused by laying with one's head to one side.

The ventilated pillow 100 may include a top pillow 110 and a base 120.The top pillow 110 may include an upper surface, a lower surface, and aperimeter. The base 120 may be sized and configured to be coupled orattached to the top pillow 110 and the base may have generally the samewidth and length as the top pillow. As shown in the accompanyingdrawings, the ventilated pillow 100 may have a generally rectangular orsquare shape. It will be appreciated, after reviewing this disclosure,that the ventilated pillow 100 may have other suitable shapes, sizes,configurations, and/or arrangements depending, for example, upon theintended use of the pillow. Further, while the top pillow 110 and thebase 120 are shown in the accompanying figures as being separatecomponents, it will be appreciated that the top pillow and base could bean integral, one-piece structure.

As shown in FIGS. 2a, 2b, and 2c , the top pillow 110 may include areceiving portion 112, a recessed portion 114, and one or more supportportions 116. The receiving portion 112 and the recessed portion 114 maybe sized and configured to accommodate and/or support a person's head,neck, and/or face in the face down position. In some embodiments, theventilated pillow 100 may be sized and configured to allow the person'sface to be disposed in a slightly upward or angled position. In otherembodiments, the ventilated pillow 100 may be sized and configured toallow the person's face to be disposed in a generally horizontal ordownward position. Thus, the top pillow 110 may have differentthicknesses and/or configurations to allow a person's head to be angledupwardly, downwardly, or be disposed generally parallel to the person'sbody. The top pillow 110 may also provide support for the person's face,head, and/or neck, such as the forehead, cheeks, and/or jaw of theperson. The top pillow 110 may provide support for other portions of thebody such as the person's shoulders, back, and/or arms.

The top pillow 110 may be constructed from one or more parts orcomponents. For example, the top pillow 110 may include an inner portionthat may be constructed from foam, plastic, or the like. The innerportion of the top pillow 110 may help provide and maintain the desiredshape of the pillow. The top pillow 110 may include an outer portion andthe outer portion may increase the comfort of the user. For instance,the outer portion may include a soft and flexible outer surface. The toppillow 110 may also include one or more layers and the layers may havevarying densities, which may improve comfort and support. In addition,airflow may occur along or between the layers of the top pillow 110 forpurposes of temperature regulation.

The receiving portion 112 and recessed portion 114 may receive the face,head, and neck of a user in a manner designed to reduce pressure on theback, neck, and/or shoulders of the user and/or minimize back, neck,and/or shoulder strain. For example, the receiving portion 120 mayreduce pressure on the neck for comfort or user preference. Thereceiving and recessed portions 112, 114 may also facilitate positioningof the jaw. For example, the receiving and recessed portions 112, 114may minimize or prevent posterior displacement of the jaw. If a person'sjaw is properly placed, that may encourage desired positioning of thetongue. In addition, the top pillow 110 may provide different amounts ofsupport to different portions of the person, such as the head, face,shoulders, back, and/or neck. For example, different portions of thereceiving portion 112 may have different densities. Thus, the portion ofthe top pillow 110 sized and configured to receive the forehead and/orchin of the person may be more firm and supportive than other portionsof the top pillow.

The receiving portion 112 may be contoured to help position the personin a desired orientation or location. In particular, the receivingportion 112 may have a shape or profile to support a person's head in anapplicable position. As shown in the accompanying figures, the receivingportion 112 may include curved or beveled surfaces, which may increasethe comfort of the user. The receiving portion 112 may also include anopening or lower surface to receive the neck of the user. Thus, thereceiving portion 112 may be configured to receive and/or support theface, head, and neck of the user of the top pillow 110.

In some embodiments, the receiving portion 112 may be configured toreceive the mouth and/or nose of the person resting their head on thetop pillow 110. The receiving portion 112 may be sized and configured toallow the person to breathe through his or her nose and mouth.Alternatively, the receiving portion 112 may be sized and configured toallow the person to breathe through his or her nose or mouth. As shownin the accompanying figures, the receiving portion 112 may be an openingor aperture and at least a portion of the receiving portion may extendthrough the top pillow 110.

A partial or complete seal may be disposed between the user and thereceiving portion 112. For example, a seal may be created between theface, head, and/or neck of the user of the ventilated pillow 100 and thereceiving portion 112. In some embodiments, the receiving portion 112may be sized and configured to create the seal between the face, head,and/or neck of the user of the ventilated pillow 100 and the receivingportion. The seal may be air-tight or partially air-tight depending, forexample, upon the intended use of the ventilated pillow 100.

The seal may act as a barrier to prevent gases from entering or escapingfrom the receiving portion 112. Thus, for instance, the seal may helpensure the user primarily or substantially breathes into the receivingportion 112, and the seal may at least substantially prevent or allowsome exchange of gases between the receiving portion 112 and thesurrounding environment. The receiving portion 112 may be constructedfrom materials such as memory foam, foam rubber, and/or other materialswith suitable properties, which may allow a seal to be formed with theface, head, and/or neck of the person.

The receiving portion 112 of the pillow may be sized and configured toreceive the eyes of the user. The receiving portion 112 may providesupport near the eyes and this portion of the receiving portion may beless dense and less supportive than other portions of the top pillow110. The top pillow 110 may also include contoured cutouts locatedproximate the eyes of the user. The top pillow 110 may be sized andconfigured to at least partially block light from the eyes of the user,which may increase the usefulness of the pillow 110.

The recessed portion 114 may be contoured to receive the neck of theuser. The recessed portion 114 may provide support and/or help positionthe user's neck.

The one or more support portions 116 may be disposed within thereceiving portion 112 may extend inwardly into a central portion of thereceiving portion. The one or more support portions 116 may be sized andconfigured to support the user's mouth or jaw. For example, the supportportions 116 may be used as location where the person can rest theirchin. The support portion 116 may also facilitate proper positioning ofthe mouth, which may help prevent sleep apnea. The one or more supportportions 116 may also be sized and configured to support other portionsof the user's head and/or face including the forehead and cheeks. Theone or more support portions 116 may be constructed from materials suchas memory foam, foam rubber, polyester fill, and the like, and thesupport portion may allow the user to sleep or rest comfortably.

FIGS. 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d illustrate various views of the base 120 of theventilated pillow 100. The base 120 may be coupled to and interface withthe top pillow 110. The base 120 may also facilitate airflow to and fromthe top pillow 110. In addition, the base 120 may provide structure andsupport for the top pillow 110. Additionally or alternatively, the base120 may act as a housing for one or more components of the ventilatedpillow 110.

The base 120 may be constructed of a stiffer and/or denser material thanthe material for the top pillow 110, which may provide support for thetop pillow 110. Additionally, the base 120 may include an outer portionand the outer portion may increase the comfort of the user. Forinstance, the outer portion of the base 120 may include a soft andflexible outer surface. In some embodiments, the base 120 may beconstructed of plastic or other material that facilitates cleaningand/or promotes hygiene. In some embodiments, at least a portion of thebase 120 may be enclosed within top pillow 110. Additionally oralternatively, the base 120 may be separate from the top pillow 110. Insome embodiments, the base 120 may be selectively coupled or fastened tothe top pillow 110. Additionally or alternatively, the base 120 may beremoved from the top pillow 110 to replace, add, remove, adjust and/orclean one or more components.

As shown in the accompanying figures, the base 120 may include a chamber130, one or more pathways 140, one or more valves 150, a tray 160, oneor more sensors 180, a processor 182, and a tube 190. The chamber 130,one or more pathways 140, one or more valves 150, the tray 160, one ormore sensors 180, the processor 182, and/or the tube 190 may be part ofthe base 120 or may be connected permanently or selectively connected tothe base 120. After reviewing this disclosure, one skilled in the artwill appreciate that the base 120 may include any suitable number ofparts or components, and the parts or components may have various sizes,shapes, configurations and arrangements depending, for example, upon theintended use of the ventilated pillow 100.

As shown in FIGS. 3a-3d , for example, the chamber 130 may be in fluidcommunication with the receiving portion 112 of the top pillow 110. Forexample, the chamber 130 may be generally aligned with the receivingportion 112 and the chamber may have an inner surface that is flush withan inner surface of the receiving portion 112. In greater detail, aninner diameter of the chamber 130 and lower portion of the receivingportion 112 may be the same or generally the same. Depending upon thethickness of the top pillow 110, a portion of the user may be disposedin the chamber 130 during use of the ventilated pillow 100, such as theuser's nose or mouth.

Because the chamber 130 may be disposed directly adjacent to and/or influid communication with the receiving portion 112, the chamber mayconstitute a cavity or void adjacent to the nose and/or mouth of aperson resting their head on the ventilated pillow 100. Thus, the usermay inhale air from the chamber 130 and exhale air into the chamber.Therefore, the chamber 130 may provide air to the user, and the chambermay also receive air exhaled from the user.

The pathways 140 may facilitate gas flow within the ventilated pillow100. In particular, the pathways 140, which may include passages,conduits, tubes, pipes, or other structures that allow gas flow, mayallow air to flow to and from the chamber 130. For example, the pathways140 may allow air exterior to the ventilated pillow 100, such as ambientair or air from the environment surrounding the pillow, to flow to thechamber 130. Thus, the user may inhale air that has traveled through theinhalation pathway 140 a to the chamber 130. The exhalation pathway 140b may allow air exhaled from the user to flow from the chamber 130 intothe surrounding environment. Therefore, the ventilated pillow 100 mayprovide inhalation air to the user via the inhalation pathway 140 a andmay remove exhaled air via the exhalation pathway 140 b.

As shown in the figures, the pathways 140 may have a generally square orrectangular configuration. The size and shape of the inhalation pathway140 a and the exhalation pathway 140 b may also vary or change. Forexample, the size, shape, cross-section, and/or profile may change froma first end of the inhalation pathway 140 a to a second end of theinhalation pathway, which may be used to help control airflow throughthe inhalation pathway. In addition, the size, shape, cross-section,and/or profile may change from a first end of the exhalation pathway 140b to a second end of the exhalation pathway 140 b, which may be used tohelp control airflow through the pathway. It will be appreciated thatthe pathways 140 may have other appropriate configurations such ascircular, oval, and the like. After reviewing this disclosure, oneskilled in the art will also appreciate that the pathways 140 may bedisposed in any suitable portions of the ventilated pillow 100 such asthe top pillow 110 and/or the base 120.

In some embodiments, the pathways 140 may be coupled to a source of gas.For example, the inhalation pathway 140 a may be connected to a supplyof air, oxygen, or another gas mixed for a specific purpose. Thus, theventilated pillow 100 may be used to supply oxygen or other gases to theuser. The pathways 140 may also allow ambient air or air form thesurrounding environment to enter the receiving portion 112.

The valves 150 may help control airflow within the ventilated pillow100. The inhalation valve 150 a may be similar or identical to theexhalation valve 150 b, however, when disposed within one or morepathways 140 and/or ventilated pillow 100, the inhalation valve 150 amay be oriented in an opposite direction from the exhalation valve 150b. The valves 150 may also help control pressure within the ventilatedpillow 100. For example, the inhalation valve 150 a may control airflowwithin the inhalation pathway 140 a and the exhalation valve 150 b maycontrol airflow within the exhalation pathway 140 b. The valves 150 maybe disposed in any suitable portion of the pathways 140, such as thefirst end or the second end of the pathways 140. In some embodiments,the valves 150 may be disposed in one or more slots 146. For example,the inhalation valve 150 a may be disposed inside of slots 146 a withinthe inhalation pathway 140 a, and the exhalation valve 150 b may bedisposed inside of slots 146 b within the exhalation pathway 140 b.Additionally or alternatively, the inhalation valve 150 a and theexhalation valve 150 b may interface with the chamber 130 and mayprovide a barrier between the chamber 130 and the inhalation andexhalation pathways 140 a, 140 b. In some embodiments, the inhalationvalve 150 a and/or exhalation valve 150 b may control airflow throughthe inhalation pathway 140 a and/or exhalation pathway 140 b.Advantageously, the pathways 140 may act as a dampener to a noisecreated by a movement of the valves 150. For example, the inhalationpathway 140 a and/or the exhalation pathway 140 b. 140 may be curved,wind through the top pillow 110, and/or include one or more structuresto decrease any noise created by a movement of the inhalation valve 150a and/or exhalation valve 150 b.

The pathways 140 and the valves 150 may allow gas, whether supplied froma tank or from the surrounding ambient environment, to flow into thechamber 130 and be breathed by the user. Thus, the pathways 140 and thevalves 150 may supply air or gas to be inhaled by the user. The pathways140 and the valves 150 may also allow gases exhaled by the user to bedischarged from the chamber 130. As discussed in greater detail below,one or more inhalation pathways 140 a and inhalation valves 150 a maysupply inhalation air to the user, and one or more exhalation pathways140 b and exhalation valves 150 b may be used to expel exhaled air. Ifdesired, the pathways 140 and/or the valves 150 may be used to controlair pressure, which may facilitate inhalation and exhalation by theuser.

As shown in the accompanying figures, the receiving portion 112 mayreceive a gas for inhalation through the inhalation pathway 140 a. Thereceiving portion 112 may include the exhalation pathway 140 b that issized and configured to discharge gas exhaled by the user. In someembodiments, the inhalation pathway 140 a may be configured to allow gasto both enter and exit the receiving portion 112. Additionally oralternatively, in some embodiments, the exhalation pathway 140 b may beconfigured to allow gas to both enter and exit the receiving portion112. In these or other embodiments, the inhalation pathway 140 a may beconfigured to alternate between allowing gas into and out of thereceiving portion 112. Additionally or alternatively, the exhalationpathway 140 b may be configured to alternate between allowing gas intoand out of the receiving portion 112.

The valves 150 may control airflow by allowing air to flow in onedirection. The valves 150 may also create a pressure gradient ordifferential. Additionally, the valves 150 may allow airflow when apressure exceeds a predetermined amount. For example, the inhalationvalve 150 a may allow gas to flow into the chamber 130 but not out ofthe chamber 130. As another example, the exhalation valve 150 b mayallow gas to flow out of the chamber 130 but not into the chamber 130.Thus, the inhalation and exhalation valves 150 a, 150 b may controlairflow into and out of the chamber 130.

As shown in the figures, the inhalation and exhalation valves 150 a, 150b may be disposed in the inhalation and exhalations pathways 140 a, 140b. For example, the inhalation and exhalation valves 150 a, 150 b may bedisposed at least proximate the intersection of the inhalation andexhalations pathways 140 a, 140 b and the chamber 130. The inhalationand exhalation valves 150 a, 150 b, however, may be disposed in anysuitable portions of the ventilated pillow 100 such as the entrances orexits to the inhalation and exhalations pathways 140 a, 140 b. Theinhalation and exhalation valves 150 a, 150 b may also be disposedbetween the chamber 130 and the pathways 140. The valves 150 may beselectively disposed in the inhalation and exhalations pathways 140 a,140 b, which may facilitate repair or replacement of the valves. Theinhalation and exhalation valves 150 a, 150 b may also be permanentlyfixed within or integrally formed with the inhalation and exhalationspathways 140 a, 140 b. In some embodiments, more than one inhalationvalve 150 a and/or exhalation valve 150 b may be disposed within theinhalation and exhalations pathways 140 a, 140 b. For instance, a firstinhalation valve 150 a may be disposed within a first portion of theinhalation pathway 140 a and a second inhalation valve 150 a may bedisposed within a second portion of the inhalation pathway 140 a.

The valves 150 may have generally the same size and shape as thepathways 140. In particular, the inhalation and exhalation valves 150 a,150 b may have generally the same cross-section, size, and/or shape asthe inhalation and exhalation pathways 140 a, 140 b. Thus, if theinhalation and exhalation pathways 140 a, 140 b have generallyrectangular or square cross-sectional configuration, the inhalation andexhalation valves 150 a, 150 b may have a similar rectangular or squarecross-sectional configuration.

In some embodiments, the valves 150 may have a first pressure on a firstside of the inhalation valve 150 a and/or exhalation valve 150 b and asecond pressure on a second side of the inhalation valve 150 a and/orexhalation valve 150 b. The inhalation valve 150 a and/or exhalationvalve 150 b may also be pressure sensitive, pressure selective, ordirectional. For example, the inhalation valve 150 a and/or exhalationvalve 150 b may allow gas to flow only in a single direction.Additionally or alternatively, the inhalation valve 150 a and/orexhalation valve 150 b may only allow gas to pass from a first side ofthe inhalation valve 150 a and/or exhalation valve 150 b to a secondside of the inhalation valve 150 a and/or exhalation valve 150 b when apressure differential is sufficient. In addition, the inhalation andexhalation valves 150 a, 150 b may have a relatively low crackingpressure and may open to allow airflow in a desired direction wherethere is a positive pressure differential, even if the magnitude of thepositive pressure differential is small. The inhalation and exhalationvalves 150 a, 150 b may further prevent back flow, which may beundesirable.

The valves 150 may include a membrane 157 or diaphragm that is sized andconfigured to provide little or no resistance or interference to theflow of air through the valve in the desired direction. The valves 150may also provide a small intentional resistance to the flow of airthrough the valve in the desire direction. For example, the valves 150may provide a small intentional resistance to the flow of air throughthe valve to improve breathing and/or promote efficient breathing. Thevalves 150 may also include membranes 157 with different flexibilityand/or stiffness. For example, the inhalation and exhalation valves 150a, 150 b may include a membrane 157 with a substantially flexibleportion and a substantially stiff portion. The membranes 157 withdifferent portions of flexibility may help control flow through theinhalation and exhalation valves 150 a, 150 b. The membranes 157 withdifferent thicknesses may help control flow through the inhalation andexhalation valves 150 a, 150 b. For example, the membrane 157 may bethicker in the exhalation valve 150 b while the membrane 157 may bethinner in the inhalation valve 150 a.

Exemplary embodiments of valves, or components of valves, that may beused in connection with the ventilated pillow 100 are shown in U.S. Pat.Nos. 7,793,656; 8,011,363; 8,011,364; and 8,297,318, which areincorporated by reference in their entireties.

The one or more sensors 180 may include sensors and/or circuits tomonitor the user. In some embodiments, the one or more sensors 180 maymeasure, monitor, and record data of the user. The one or more sensors180 may be coupled with the inhalation valve 150 a and/or the exhalationvalve 150 b. Additionally or alternatively, the sensors 180 may beplaced inside of the receiving portion 112, the chamber 130, theinhalation pathway 140 a, and/or the exhalation pathway 140 b. Theventilated pillow 100 through the use of one or more sensors 180 mayalso be configured to track trends or recognize patterns in the data ofthe user. For example, the sensors 180 may be configured to measure:respiratory rates, respiratory flow rates, flow patterns, breath sounds,oxygen or CO₂ levels in the exhalations and/or inhalations, air pressurein the empty space near the nose and mouth, temperature, and any otherstatistic or attributes that may be of interest. The ventilated pillow100 may be used to assess whether there is evidence of persistent sleepapnea, hypoxemia, hypercapnia, or other conditions that may be ofinterest. For example, the ventilated pillow 100 may be used to monitorand report the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI). The one or more sensors 180may be communicatively coupled with the processor 182.

The processor 182 may include means for recording and/or storing data,measurements, communications, and the like taken by the one or moresensors 180. The processor 182 may communicate raw data regarding thebreathing, alternatively, the pillow may communicate conclusionsregarding the sleeping data, such as conclusions regarding sleep apnea.The ventilated pillow 100 via the processor 182 may also be configuredto communicate with any suitable computing device, including, but notlimited to a smartphone, tablet, laptop, desktop computer, or server. Insome embodiments, the ventilated pillow 100 may communicate using awired connection. Additionally or alternatively, the ventilated pillow100 may use any suitable wireless communication protocol or standard,such as, but not limited to Bluetooth or 802.11. In some embodiments,the ventilated pillow 100 may include another means of data transfer,such as a USB port.

In some embodiments, there may be a central server connected to manyventilated pillows 100 and capable of aggregating data. The centralserver may be connected to the ventilated pillow 100 through a computernetwork such as the internet. Additionally or alternatively, the centralserver may be connected to the ventilated pillow 100 through one or moresensors 180 and/or the processor 182. The central server may look fortrends in sleeping data of a single person and/or the central server maylook for broader sleep trends across many ventilated pillows 100.

A tube 190 may provide means for supplying supplemental gas from a gassource to the ventilated pillow 100. The tube 190 may be coupled with asupplemental gas source. For example, the tube 190 may be coupled with asupplemental gas source and/or other source via connector a 192. Thetube 190 may be placed near the chamber 130 to supply supplemental gasto the receiving portion 112 and/or chamber 130. The supplemental gasmay mix with air from the exterior of the ventilated pillow 110 withinthe chamber 130. For example, the tube 190 may be fed through one of thethree inhalation inlets 144 a and may run through the inhalation pathway140 a towards the inhalation valve 142 a and/or chamber 130. This may bebeneficial in the event that the user is hypoxic and has O₂ needs.Because the O₂ being fed to such a system may occupy the volume of theinhalation pathway 140 a, this may allow nearly all of the O₂ to beavailable to the person. This may be particularly effective if theinhalation inlets 144 a are valved and/or closed off to prevent the O₂from escaping. This may compare very favorably to O₂ being bled in froman ordinary nasal cannula which cannot keep up with the demand of asingle inhalation and wastes O₂ during exhalation. If desired, the gassource may be humidified and the gas could contain added gasifiedsubstances, such as water or medication. If further desired, theinhalation gas may be pressurized within the inhalation pathway 140 a inorder to assist with the user's inhalation needs.

Advantageously, the ventilated pillow 100 may lessen or minimize theextent to which a person rebreathes the same air, which may minimizedead space in the person's respiratory tree. In addition, because a gasmay be supplied to an inlet pathway, oxygen or other gases may besupplied to the user. Further, because the inhalation gas may besupplied at a desired pressure and/or the user exhale into a chamber ata desired pressure, the inhalation and/or exhalation pressure mayfacilitate breathing by the user. Significantly, the pressures may becontrolled or optimized to improve the lung's alveolar function. Forexample, the exhalation pressure may be 0-5 cm water pressure. In theseor other embodiments the pressure may be as much as 0-25 cm waterpressure.

FIGS. 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, and 4e illustrate various views of the valve 150of the ventilated pillow 100. The valves 150 may include a housing 151,a support 153, and a membrane 157. The housing 151 may be constructedfrom a relatively strong and rigid material such as plastics,composites, metals, and the like. The housing 151 may be sized andconfigured to be disposed within the inhalation and/or exhalationpathways 140 a, 140 b. For example, the exterior surface of the housing151 may have the same general size and shape as the interior of theinhalation valve 150 a and/or the exhalation valve 150 b. The innersurface of the housing 151 may include one or more attachment portionssuch grooves, projections, and the like.

The support 153 may be connected to the housing 151. For example, thesupport 153 may be connected to the attachment portions on the innersurface of the housing 151. Additionally or alternatively, the support153 may rest upon a ledge 152 of the housing 151. The support 153 mayinclude one or more openings or apertures, such as opening 154. Theopening 154 may have a generally hour-glass or bowtie shapedconfiguration with a narrowed or tapered center section and wider ends.The opening 154 may have other suitable shapes, sizes, configurations,and/or arrangements depending, for example, upon the intended use of theopening 154, valve 150 and/or ventilated pillow 100. One or moreconnecting portions 155 may be disposed proximate the center section ofthe opening 154.

The membrane 157 may at least partially, substantially, or entirelycover the opening 154 when the valve 150 is in a closed position. Forexample, the membrane 157 may include two connecting members 158 thatare sized and configured to be connected to the connecting portions 155of the support 153. When the membrane 157 is connected to the support153 and the valve 150 is in the closed position, air may not flowthrough the valve 150. When air is flowing through the valve 150, atleast a portion of the membrane 157 may be spaced apart from the opening154 in the support 153. Advantageously, the properties of the membrane157 may change and that may facilitate airflow through the valve 150.For example, one or both ends of the membrane 157 may be more flexiblethan a center portion of the membrane 157. In some embodiments, thesupport 153 and the membrane 157 may rest completely inside of thehousing 151

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the tray 160 of theventilated pillow 100. The tray 160 may be disposed in the base 120 andgenerally aligned with the nose or mouth of the user. The tray 160 maybe sized and configured to receive fluids discharged from the user.Additionally, the tray 160 may include a slot 162. Additionally oralternatively, the tray 160 be configured receive fluids discharged fromthe user. Because the tray 160 may be selectively coupled to the base120, the tray may be easily removed for cleaning and/or replacement. Itwill be appreciated that the tray 160 may have other suitable shapes,sizes, configurations, and arrangements depending, for example, upon thesize and shape of the ventilated pillow 100. It will also be appreciatedthat the tray 160 is not required.

FIG. 6 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the base 220 of theventilated pillow 100. As shown in FIG. 6, the base 220 may include twopathways 140, such as an inhalation pathway 140 a and an exhalationpathway 140 b. The inhalation pathway 140 a and exhalation pathway 140 bmay include multiple inlets 144 or openings disposed about a perimeterof the base. The multiple openings may help ensure airflow within theventilated pillow 100. For example, the inhalation pathway 140 a mayinclude three inhalation inlets 144 a to allow air to enter the pathwayand the exhalation pathway 140 b may include three exhalation outlets144 b to allow air to exit the pathway.

In addition, a groove 170, indent, channel, depression or the like maybe disposed about the inhalation inlets 144 a and/or exhalation outlets144 b. For instance, a groove 170 may be disposed about a perimeter ofthe top pillow 110 and/or base 120, and the groove 170 may be in fluidcommunication with the inlets and/or outlets 144. The groove 170 mayhelp ensure that air flows through the inhalation inlets 144 a and/orexhalation outlets 144 b. In some embodiments, the groove 170 may ensurethat air flows through the inlets and/or outlets 144 even when one ormore of the outlets 144 may be inadvertently covered or obstructed bythe arms and hands of the user and/or a pillow, blanket, bedding, and/orthe like.

Additionally, one or more grates, vents, filters, screens, and/or coversmay be placed inside of or over the inhalation inlets 144 a and/orexhalation outlets 144 b. The grates may be configured to preventobjects from entering and/or obstructing the pathways 140 and valves 150of the ventilated pillow 100.

The pathways 140 may include one or more dampeners 148 which maydecrease noise. For example, the dampeners 148 may help dampen soundssuch as snoring by the user, the openings and closing of the valves, orflow across the valves. Additionally, the dampeners 148 may act assupports and may support the top pillow 110. The dampeners 148 may alsohelp prevent objects from entering the pathways 140.

A channel 194 may run from the outside of the ventilated pillow 100 intothe chamber 130. A tube 190 may feed directly into the chamber 130 viathe channel 194 to supply pressurized gas from a gas source to theventilated pillow 100.

The ventilated pillow 100 may be sized and configured to cause theperson to sleep with their face oriented in a downward direction, whichmay cause the person's tongue to not block the user's air passages whilesleeping. This may minimize or eliminate the need for a higher pressureto strut the oropharyngeal space open. In addition, a positive endexpiratory pressure (PEEP) of 3-5 cm water pressure may be morephysiologically conducive to respiratory function. Additionally, byplacing the face into the ventilated pillow 100, light may not interferewith the sleep of the person using the pillow.

The ventilated pillow 100 may be configured to provide airflow to coolthe surface of the pillow 100 or the user's face, head, and/or neck. Forexample, the pathways 140 and/or chamber 130 may be configured toprovide airflow to cool the surface of the ventilated pillow 100 or theuser's face, head, and/or neck. The pathways 140 may also provideairflow through the top surface of the ventilated pillow 100 which mayprovide therapeutic cooling of the pillow and/or the user's face, head,and/or neck.

The ventilated pillow 100 may include other components such as speakersor audio output devices. The speakers may be embedded into the pillownear where the person's ears would be received by the pillow. Thespeakers may provide music or other audio (for example audio for sleephypnosis) to the ears of the person. The ventilated pillow 100 may alsoinclude an alarm system. The alarm system may be configured to awake oralert the person of certain conditions. The alarm system may be used inconnection with the audio system, such as the speakers. The ventilatedpillow 100 may also include a small motor or other device which cancause the pillow to vibrate or shake. Additionally, the ventilatedpillow 100 may include lights, such as LEDs and these lights may be partof the alarm system. For example, the alarm could be a time-based alarmand the alarm could be set by the user. Thus, the alarm system could beused to wake the person at a particular time of day, or after a durationof sleep. The alarm system could also be configured based on attributesof the person and these attributes may be measured by the sensors. Forinstance, the alarm system may be triggered by signs of physiologicdistress, such as prolonged apnea.

Although this invention has been described in terms of certain exemplaryembodiments, other embodiments apparent to those of ordinary skill inthe art are also within the scope of this invention. Accordingly, thescope of the invention is intended to be defined only by the claimswhich follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A pillow sized and configured to support a userin a face down or prone position, the pillow comprising: a receivingportion sized and configured to receive a face of a user; an air chamberin fluid communication with the receiving portion; an inhalation pathwayin fluid communication with the air chamber, the inhalation pathwayallowing air to be inhaled by the user to enter the air chamber; and anexhalation pathway in fluid communication with the air chamber, theexhalation pathway allowing air exhaled by the user to exit the airchamber.
 2. The pillow of claim 1, further comprising an inhalationvalve controlling air flow in the inhalation pathway, the inhalationvalve allowing inhalation air to flow into the air chamber.
 3. Thepillow of claim 1, further comprising an exhalation valve controllingair flow in the exhalation pathway, the exhalation valve allowing airexhaled by the user to exit the air chamber.
 4. The pillow of claim 1,further comprising: an inhalation valve controlling air flow in theinhalation pathway, the inhalation valve allowing inhalation air to flowinto the air chamber; and an exhalation valve controlling air flow inthe exhalation pathway, the exhalation valve allowing air exhaled by theuser to exit the air chamber.
 5. The pillow of claim 4, wherein theinhalation valve and the exhalation valve provide a positive exhalationpressure to an exhalation flow.
 6. The pillow of claim 4, wherein, whenthe pillow is in use, the inhalation valve opens during inhalation ofthe user to allow air to flow into the air chamber and inhalation valveis closed during exhalation of the user; wherein, when the pillow is inuse, the exhalation valve is closed during inhalation of the user andopens during exhalation of the user to allow air to exit the airchamber.
 7. The pillow of claim 6, wherein a pressure in the air chamberis lower during inhalation of the user; and wherein a pressure in theair chamber is higher during exhalation of the user.
 8. The pillow ofclaim 1, further comprising: a top pillow, the receiving portiondisposed in an upper surface of the top pillow; a base, the air chamber,the inhalation pathway, and the exhalation pathway at least partiallydisposed in the base; wherein the top pillow and the base areselectively connected.
 9. The pillow of claim 1, further comprising oneor more dampeners disposed in the inhalation pathway and one or moredampeners disposed in the exhalation pathway.
 10. The pillow of claim 1,further comprising a supplemental gas pathway in fluid communicationwith the air chamber, the supplemental gas pathway allowing supplementalgas to enter the air chamber during use of the pillow.
 11. A pillowsized and configured to support a user in a face down or prone position,the pillow comprising: a top pillow including an upper surface, a lowersurface, and an exterior, the top pillow comprising: a receiving portiondisposed in an upper surface of the top pillow, the receiving portionsized and configured to receive a face of a user; and a base connectedto the top pillow, the base comprising: a chamber in fluid communicationwith the receiving portion; one or more first openings in a firstexterior portion of the base; a first pathway connecting the firstopenings and the chamber; one or more second openings in a secondexterior portion of the base; a second pathway connecting the secondopenings and the chamber; a first valve controlling airflow in the firstpathway; and a second valve controlling airflow in the second pathway.12. The pillow of claim 11, further comprising: a recessed portiondisposed in the upper surface of the top pillow, the recessed portionsized and configured to receive a neck of the user; and a supportportion extending inwardly into the receiving portion, the supportportion sized and configured to support a chin of the user.
 13. Thepillow of claim 11, wherein an inner portion of the receiving portion isat least partially aligned with and disposed parallel to an innersurface of the chamber.
 14. The pillow of claim 11, wherein the firstpathway allows inhalation air to flow to the user; wherein the firstvalve is at least partially disposed in the first pathway and disposedproximate the chamber; wherein the second pathway allows exhalation airto be vented from the chamber; and wherein the second valve is at leastpartially disposed in the second pathway and disposed proximate thechamber.
 15. The pillow of claim 11, further comprising: a sensormonitoring airflow through the first valve; and a communication systemconnected to the sensor.
 16. The pillow of claim 11, further comprisingone or more sensors connected to the pillow, the sensors configured todetect attributes about the user during use of the pillow.
 17. Thepillow of claim 11, further comprising a third pathway sized andconfigured to provide supplemental gas to the user during use of thepillow, the third pathway at least partially disposed in the firstpathway, the third pathway including a first end disposed at leastproximate the first valve and a second end disposed at least proximatean exterior of the base.
 18. The pillow of claim 11, further comprisingone or more dampeners disposed in the first pathway and one or moredampeners disposed in the second pathway.
 19. The pillow of claim 11,further comprising an alarm connected to the pillow, the alarm sized andconfigured to issue an alert.
 20. The pillow of claim 11, furthercomprising a third pathway sized and configured to provide gas to theuser during use of the pillow.